Friday, March 25, 2011

On Sunday 20 March the West Auckland Historical Society launched its new book Titirangi: Fringe of Heaven, written by Marc Bonny, and edited by Bruce and Trixie Harvey. This handsome paperback celebrates the culture and history of one of Auckland's most iconic suburbs. Libro International's parent company Oratia Media published the book for the historical society, and is distributing it outside of Auckland through Publishers Distribution Limited. For enquiries contact orders@pubdist.co.nz or phone 09 828 2999.

THE BOOK:

Titirangi, probably Auckland’s most beautiful suburb and on the edge of the dramatic Waitakere Ranges, is truly the ‘fringe of heaven’. This richly illustrated book, compiled over many years by the West Auckland Historical Society, tracks the area’s evolution from successive Maori settlements, the first European arrivals, forest clearings and the beginnings of Titirangi village through to the post-war era when artists and writers began gravitating to the community as its regenerating forest reached for the sky.

Titirangi: Fringe of Heaven collects specialist accounts of Maori history, prominent settlers, architecture, the arts and the environment with personal recollections of Titirangi life. A must for anyone with a connection to this beautiful area or with an interest in the arts and environment.

Marc Bonny grew up in Titirangi and after returning in 1995, has dedicated himself to researching its history. He edits the West Auckland Historical Society newsletter and is an active historical writer.

Bruce and Trixie Harvey have a strong interest in the history and environment of Titirangi; they edited the book Waitakere Ranges for the Waitakere Ranges Protection Society and Bruce is the author of Whatipu.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Our heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost family and friends in the earthquake that hit Christchurch last Tuesday 22 February.

Today New Zealand observed a two-minute silence in memory of the victims and their families at 12.51 pm– one week exactly from the time the 6.3 magnitude quake struck.

Christchurch is where I grew up and where my parents live. They are fine, as is our South Island sales representative Peter Gray, and our many friends and family there. Canterbury people are resilient, and we know the city will be back.

For now, our thoughts are with Christchurch and all who have suffered loss.